Reviewed by Jennifer Melville

For all of you mothers out there looking for new activities to do with your young children, this book is for you. Amanda Blake Soule's book The Creative Family: How To Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections is a treasure chest of art ideas, projects, and examples of ways she has applied her own philosophy to raising her three young children. You are sure to find many activities that will be memorable and fun for both you and your children.

"At the heart of every mindful and loving family lie the seeds of endless creativity," Soule writes, "As parents, it is both our responsibility and our privilege to be sure that our family's creative spirits have all the room and tools they need to sour freely." Soule's philosophy is that creative activities can be found everywhere. She believes in resourcefulness, using and enjoying nature as art. She encourages families to turn off the television and use creativity and play to bond, and promotes the idea that less is more when it comes to children's toys.

Soule inspired me to get out the art supplies and engage my four-year-old daughter in an afternoon of fun. We made Soule's Wool Felt Block out of fabric scraps and soft pillow stuffing. I don't know if my daughter had more fun making the craft or watching her baby brother play with the gift she made "herself." This was a simple and fun craft that made our afternoon memorable. Which one shall we do tomorrow?

This is a great book to reference when you need an activity to do with your little one or just want a little inspiration to be more artistic.

Amanda Blake Soule is the author of the popular blog SouleMama, where she writes about and photographs her thrifting, crafting, and parenting adventures. Amanda spends her days making things, exploring, and being inspired by her coastal Maine surroundings with her three young children. Visit her website.